I have done several posts on destinations in Mexico and highlighted some of my favorite resorts, but this is my first post on Akumal. You may know from my travel coverage and social media that I am a Mexico destination specialist, but you might not know one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. So here I am – sharing the sun, sandy beaches, and adventures of a beach getaway in Akumal, Mexico with you.
Photo Credit: AMResorts
Why Akumal?
Akumal has always been known as one of the top beach destinations in Mexico for vacationers. Akumal is located 62 miles south of Cancun, in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Famous for its beautiful beach, beachfront hotel, swimmable lagoon, and home to some of the most romantic resorts located in the Riviera Maya.
What’s so great about Akumal?
I think Akumal is an incredible place to visit for a laid-back, no-compromise style that is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun and downtown Playa del Carmen. The area is also known for its wide range of ecosystems and biodiversity. It is nick-named ‘Turtle Town’ because it is here in Akumal that you can snorkel with sea turtles. It has it all: crystal clear turquoise water, secluded beaches, fun, sports like biking with a new bike from the monster cycle, and amazing food.
Explore Mayan Ruins
About an hour from Akumal is the ancient town of Coba. You can explore the area’s rich history by visiting the Coba ruins. This ancient Mayan city had enormous power before the age of Chichén Itzá. Here you will learn about the Mayan culture, and climb the tallest pyramid in the Riviera Maya.
Mayan Ruins At Tulum
You can also visit the ruins at Tulum. I highly recommend planning a private sunrise tour of Tulum. Seeing the ruins at sunrise will take your breath away, and you will be transported back in time to walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people.
Travel is about more than just ‘visiting’ a destination; it’s about exploring, learning about history and culture, and creating memories that you will never forget.
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Akumal, from boutique properties to high-end luxury all-inclusive resorts. There is a place to suit every travel style and every occasion. I have my favorites, which one will be yours?
To find out more about planning a beach getaway in Akumal Mexico, and all of the options available, reach out to me here.
Jamaica has a lot to offer travelers looking for a romantic getaway. From the exotic and breathtaking, Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a destination to celebrate a special occasion, consider heading down to Jamaica. Here are some of the most romantic resorts in Jamaica.
Ocho Rios
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is Ocho Rios, a picturesque place with a colorful history. The Jamaica Inn is at the top of the list for a getaway to remember. Unwind in antique-appointed, and modern accommodations. Savor island-fresh cuisine, while drinking in the glistening Caribbean Sea set along a private beach.
The accommodations are spacious and tasteful. Each suite or cottage provides stunning ocean views. The Cottages are completely private, yet only a few steps away from the Inn and all of its amenities. The cottages feature direct access to the sea, and all have private infinity plunge pools and outdoor showers. For something more intimate, you may want to choose a beach cottage, located in a secluded cove adjacent to the spa.
Negril
Negril is full of history and culture. The ruins of a massive Jamaican plantation are still visible throughout the town, and there’s also a charming old village nearby where you can shop and eat authentic Jamaican food. Sitting on the beautiful cliffs of Negril, the Ocean Cliff Hotel perches above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Lively and intimate, this luxury beachfront hotel in Negril will leave you feeling like you’ve celebrated on a magical and private island. The resort features a spa, a delicious restaurant, and its famous Blue Waters, where you can relax and unwind after a day of hiking, surfing, or other activities.
The Cottages are beautifully appointed, offering perfect amenities, beauty, and privacy. Each cottage overlooks the ocean-fed pool and the Caribbean Sea.
Montego Bay
The bay is known for its crystal clear waters and tons of fun stuff to do, like scuba diving, or snorkeling. With crystal blue waters of the turquoise sea and mountains as far as the horizon, it’s no wonder this place is packed with romance. Situated right at the center of Jamaica’s tourism capital, S Hotel Jamaica is a Boutique All-Inclusive hotel that offers you an authentic Caribbean experience. Treat yourself to an enjoyable time with an abundance of attractions within close proximity to the hotel.
The 120 rooms and suites feature sleek interiors with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea or the lively strip. Premium amenities and bedding are par for the course and the Sky Club Spa Suites offer exclusivity and service.
There are endless opportunities to enjoy a romantic getaway in Jamaica. From luxurious hotels to romantic bungalows you’re sure to find the perfect escape. Whether you’re looking for a destination with a history or stunning beaches, Jamaica has something for everyone.
When you are getting married, there are so many decisions to make and so many details to plan. One of the most important decisions is where your wedding will be held. For some couples, a destination wedding may be ideal. A beautiful location with a fun atmosphere that feels like a party every time you look at it! With this in mind, I’ve put together some important things for you to think about regarding destination weddings and the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony.
What is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is when a couple gets married somewhere other than where they currently live. A destination wedding can be a great choice for couples who want to explore other cultures, get away from their hometown, or just have an adventure. There are many types of destination weddings, including destination weddings that are more than just a wedding trip.
Location, Location, Location
When picking a destination, it’s important to pick a place that fits both your and your partner’s interests and personalities. This will make the trip more exciting and enjoyable. It can also help create a more memorable trip because you’ll be spending time in a place that’s special to both of you. If you pick a destination that’s too far from home, your guests may feel bad about the cost to travel, and they may not want to make the trip. You don’t want to make your guests feel uncomfortable with their finances or the trip itself, so pick a location that is both within your guests’ budget and fun to visit!
The Beauty of a Destination Wedding
If you’re into traveling and having an adventure, a destination wedding can be a great way to do both. You can choose a destination that fits both of your interests, which will make it even more special. There are many benefits to having a destination wedding, including how it makes your guests feel. It’s more likely to make your guests feel like they’re having an adventure too, and getting away on a fun trip. It’s also a great way to make memories with your partner that will last forever.
If you’re interested in exploring another culture, a destination wedding can be a great way to learn about another place and its people. Many couples feel that the beauty and scenery of their destination are what they love most about it. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, it’s the people, the environment, and other things that make a destination truly special and memorable.
Legal Considerations for a Destination Wedding
While destination weddings are often a lot of fun and exciting, they do have one legal issue for you to consider. A legal (civil) ceremony has an additional cost for the paperwork, officiant blood tests (if they are required), document translation services, an apostille, etc. The requirements and costs vary based on the specific destination.
To avoid the added cost and a few potential headaches, many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony. They get the legal stuff out of the way back home, before or after their destination wedding. No one is the wiser if you don’t spill the beans that you are already legally married, or plan to seal the deal when you return home.
The Price of A Destination Wedding & Travel
Traveling to a destination wedding can be costly. It’s important to set aside enough money to cover both your wedding event and your travel costs. Depending on where you want to go, the cost could range from $10,000 -$30,000+, based on the number of guests, the location, the resort/venue, and all of the ceremony and wedding activities you want to include.
There are resort locations in Mexico for example, that have packages that include up to 30 people, that range from $4,000 to $5,000 for just the wedding ceremony & reception. Cecil Peak Queenstown Elopement Heli Wedding Package is also a popular choice. Please keep in mind, that many resorts charge an outside vendor fee for photography and videography for example, if you choose someone that is not one of the location’s preferred vendors. The outside vendor fee can range from $300 – $1,800 based on the venue or resort.
Pro-tip: Consider applying for a cashback credit card to use for your wedding deposit, your group room block deposit, and other associated wedding costs to help you save a little bit of money. Look for cards that offer a cashback match, and 0% interest for an extended period of time. For example, The Discover it Cash Back card.
Who’s Invited?
If you’re having a destination wedding, there will be some people you invite, who won’t attend. If that is a problem for you or your partner, consider hosting an after-wedding party back home. So those who couldn’t make it can celebrate with you.
Final Words
To make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch, work with a destination wedding travel specialist or planner. Choose someone that has worked with the resort or venue, and knows the location. They will be your ally throughout the entire process and eliminate any planning stress.
Be flexible with your wedding date. Many popular places for destination weddings have limited availability, as far out as 2024. Consider a midweek day (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) for better options.
For questions about destination weddings, and legal or symbolic ceremonies, reach out to me.
